As part of Autism Speaks’ “Light It Up Blue” campaign, which honors April 2’s World Autism Awareness Day, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort lit several of its miniature LEGO® landmarks in blue.

For Autism Awareness Month, which is observed in April, we’re showing our support for the many guests with autism spectrum disorders who visit us from around the world, along with their families and caregivers.

Each year around the world, landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses and homes unite by shining bright blue lights in support of individuals and families affected by autism.

Like we did last year, we’re once again taking part in Autism Speaks’ “Light It Up Blue” campaign in honor of April 2’s World Autism Awareness Day. Each year, iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses and homes across the globe unite by shining bright blue lights in honor of the millions of individuals and families affected by autism. This year we lit some of the miniature LEGO® landmarks in MINILAND USA in blue.

Come build with us during April 22’s Autism Speaks Walk at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

On Saturday, April 22, LEGOLAND Florida Resort will host a hands-on building opportunity for kids during the Autism Speaks Walk at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., and on Saturday, Nov. 11 during the Autism Speaks Walk at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, Fla.

Through a special promotion during Autism Awareness Month, LEGOLAND Florida Resort will contribute $15 of the proceeds from each ticket sold to the North and Central Florida chapter of Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks supporters can purchase print-at-home theme park tickets at a discounted rate of $45 plus tax, a $48 savings off the price of an adult ticket purchased at the resort’s ticket windows. This offer only will be available online through Autism Speaks from April 1 through May 31, 2017.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort will participate in Autism Speaks Walks in Tampa, Fla., on April 22 and in Altamonte Springs, Fla., on Nov. 11.

Like the “we care” value we live by, “Being a Force for Good” is another campaign our parent company conducts around the world to improve and enhance the communities we operate in and the guests we serve.

Our efforts to make LEGOLAND Florida Resort a more enjoyable experience don’t end with the activities and efforts described this week, however. We welcome your feedback on more ways we can ensure that each and every guest who visits us has a truly brick-tastic day, every day.

Over the past year, we’ve made a lot of progress in our ongoing efforts to make LEGOLAND® Florida Resort a more welcoming place for guests with autism spectrum disorders. With April designated as Autism Awareness Month, here’s a look at some of the new services and initiatives we’ve launched:

The special “Blue Hero Pass,” available at Guest Services, allows guests with autism spectrum disorders and their party to bypass the standby line at popular attractions.

To assist guests who have difficulty waiting in line, we’ve created a pass specifically for guests on the autism spectrum. Available inside the theme park at Guest Services near Market Restaurant, the no-cost “Blue Hero Pass” allows the guest and his or her family or group to bypass the standby line at popular attractions.

Multiple “quiet rooms” located throughout the resort offer a private space where guests on the autism spectrum can relax with noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets and a variety of soothing toys.

We’ve also modified several guest areas working in partnership with the North and Central Florida chapter of Autism Speaks. Specially equipped spaces in our Annual Pass, First Aid and Baby Care facilities now serve as designated “quiet rooms” where quests who are on the autism spectrum and their families can take a break. Noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets, squishy toys and LEGO® building tables are some of the complimentary resources available. A similar space also is available within Guest Services at LEGOLAND Water Park.

Working in consultation with Autism Speaks, our Training & Development team has created “social stories” that offer an illustrated, step-by-step walkthrough of every ride and show, so guests won’t be surprised by periods of darkness, loud noises, bright lights or other elements that sometimes can be frightening or overwhelming. They’re available for review at Guest Services in the theme park.

Multiple teams throughout LEGOLAND Florida Resort have been working together over the past year to make the vacation destination a more enjoyable place for guests with autism spectrum disorders, as well as their families and caregivers.

A great pre-arrival resource is our extensive Guide for Guests with Disabilities, a printable PDF file that addresses common questions about medical and mobility restrictions, plus accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Dr. Craig Glaser

The resort’s newly hired Model Citizens now receive specialized training to prepare them with skills and sensitivities needed to more effectively interact with guests on the autism spectrum and their families or caregivers. Consultations include Dr. Craig Glaser, the resort’s medical director, who also serves as medical director of Winter Haven’s Urgent Care Cypress facility.

Our parent company, Merlin Entertainments, operates under a set of values that includes “we care,” and by working together and in partnership with organizations like Autism Speaks, we’re committed to ensure that the place #BuiltForKids is truly built for all kids.

LEGOLAND® Japan will be the eighth theme park to celebrate the creativity of LEGO® building sets when it opens in Nagoya on April 1. Everything’s right on track for our sister park’s grand opening, with lots of fun activities taking place to spread the word.

Earlier today, a commuter train decorated inside and out with bold graphics inspired by four LEGOLAND Japan attractions began daily service on the Nagoya Rinkai Rapid Transit’s Aonami Line, which travels from central Nagoya to the new theme park. The attractions are Lost Kingdom Adventure, The Dragon Coaster, Rescue Academy and Submarine Adventure.

On March 26, local officials joined Buddy, LEGOLAND Japan’s mascot, and Aotetsu-kun, mascot for the Aonami Line, for a special “departure” ceremony commemorating the launch of the “LEGOLAND Train.”

“Today, I am extremely honored to be able to introduce the LEGOLAND Train, the only one of its kind in the world in Nagoya, after plans for it were put into motion nearly three years ago,” said Torben Jensen, divisional director of LEGOLAND Japan, who added that the special train was made possible by the support of the city of Nagoya and the Aonami Line.

LEGOLAND Japan will offer more than 40 rides, shows and attractions. For more information, visit www.LEGOLAND.jp.

Some of the great benefits of working at the place #BuiltForKids include free admission to LEGOLAND Florida Resort, including LEGOLAND Water Park; free admission to other, select Florida attractions; free, unlimited use of Citrus Connection, Polk County’s public transportation system; discounts at local merchants; and much more!

*Please note: Attractions roles are restricted to those 18 years old and up.

Only a few weeks remain before LEGOLAND® Beach Retreat welcomes it first guests to enjoy endless fun in the sun. Our all-new accommodations represent a whole new way to play — and stay — at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, with their own set of outdoor-themed amenities.

One of the most unique amenities is one we’re introducing today — drive-through check-in! When guests arrive, the speedy process will get you from your car to your cove in minutes. (By the way, “cove” is what we call the horseshoe-shaped groupings of colorful LEGO® bungalows on the site.)

Here’s a look at the process through the perspective of a kid:

Designed to look like larger-than-life LEGO sets, the 83 beach-themed bungalows offer 166 separate rooms that sleep up to five, including a cozy area just for kids, with a bunk bed, trundle bed and privacy curtain. They’re an ideal solution for larger families and groups traveling together, or for those seeking a whole new way to vacation at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

Each bungalow cove has its own outdoor play structure.

Along with picturesque lake views and a LEGO lighthouse featuring a real rotating beacon, LEGOLAND Beach Retreat highlights also include:

A giant swimming pool next to The Lighthouse, with an adjacent sandy area perfect for building sandcastles and the resort’s biggest outdoor play structure for kids.

Sandy’s Castle Restaurant, featuring a bountiful menu of entrees, sides and desserts designed to please the palates of kids and grownups alike.

A delicious breakfast buffet is included with each night’s stay; lunch and dinner are available without reservations.

Bricks Beach Bar, offering an eclectic menu of made-to-order food, drinks and creative cocktails served both poolside and indoors.

Palm Tree Traders, a large retail shop stocked with LEGO building sets and Minifigures, apparel, toys, swimwear, snacks and sundries.

A hands-on LEGO building activity where kids can contribute their own original creations to a giant sandcastle made out of thousands of LEGO bricks.

Free Wi-Fi accessible throughout the entire site, indoors and out.

Complimentary transportation to the theme park entrance, as well as complimentary parking in LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s main parking lot for guests who choose to drive.

Early access to the theme park, with exclusive use of some of the most popular attractions, including the all-new LEGO NINJAGO® World and LEGO NINJAGO The Ride.

Packages including theme park tickets also are available, and Awesomer and Awesomest Annual Pass Members receive a 10 percent discount year-round. Guests can book a stay online or by calling toll-free (877) 350-5346 daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT.

The coupon is good for a free, single-day child ticket with the purchase of a full-price, single-day adult ticket. Guests can receive a maximum of three free children’s tickets with the purchase of three adult tickets per coupon. The child’s ticket must be the same type as the adult ticket purchased, and can include a theme-park-only ticket or a combo ticket that includes same-day admission to LEGOLAND Water Park.

Debating about how to spend your weekend? Where to take the kids? You found it! LEGOLAND® Florida Resort’s very own water park opens this Saturday for another great season of fun in the sun! At 11 a.m. on the warm and sunny morning of March 11, LEGOLAND Water Park welcomes guests to splash and be splashed on all of our awesome water attractions.

Get a head start on planning your day by checking out the Know Before You Go section of our website! LEGOLAND Water Park will be open most days through Oct. 1 so be sure to also check our operating calendar before planning a visit.

Meet LEGO Batman, help build a 7-foot-tall LEGO Joker with our Master Model Builders, search the cities of MINILAND USA for a chance to win a LEGO prize and pick up all the latest LEGO Batman sets and products during the last two days of this special event!

Bring your creations to life at Build-a-Raft River with soft, floating LEGO® bricks, hang out on the island at the LEGO Wave Pool, and get splashed BIG time by our huge, 300-gallon bucket at Joker Soaker. And the fun doesn’t stop building there! Visit Build-A-Boat to customize a LEGO boat hull and race it down the fast-flowing river in the new Creative Cove area.

LEGOLAND Water Park has lots of amenities to make your day easier. Stop by the Surf Shop on your way in to pick up any last-minute necessities such as:

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Flip flops

Stylish swimsuits

Awesome LEGOLAND Florida towels, and much more!

While you’re there, you can reserve a locker for the day or even rent your very own cabana with personalized food and beverage service.

Hungry? There are two restaurants to choose from when you need yummy food to fuel more fun. Beach N’ Brick is located at the front of LEGOLAND Water Park, underneath the giant pavilion, so you can enjoy multiple food and beverage options under the shade. You can also grab tasty burritos next to the LEGO Wave Pool at Waveside Burrito. If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, visit our novelty Ice Cream Hut directly across from Build-A-Boat.

Buy your tickets online and save! One- and two-day combo tickets are available that include admission to our theme park and LEGOLAND Water Park. Otherwise, LEGOLAND Water Park admission is a $20 per-ticket, per-day upgrade from a theme-park-only ticket, and $3 per toddler (ages 1-2). Or get an annual pass and come back again and again! Please note that admission to LEGOLAND Water Park is not sold separately; all water park tickets include theme park admission.

LEGOLAND Water Park will be open most days from March 11 through Oct. 1 — but not every day — so be sure to check our operating calendar before planning a visit.